Wana wins Morocco’s third GSM licence

Government hopes to increase liberalisation of the telecoms sector with rollout of a third mobile network

February 10, 2009, 02:49 AM

Wana, a provider of fixed wireless services in Morocco, has been awarded the country’s third GSM licence, as the government strives to further liberalise the telecoms sector.

Wana, which also provides internet and some limited range mobile services, will compete with Morocco’s existing mobile operators, Maroc Telecom and Meditel.

Morocco’s telecom regulator, the Telecoms National Regulation Agency (ANRT), selected Wana above other unnamed bidders because of the “significant investment” it intends to make, according to a statement from Wana. The ANRT’s decision to select Wana was also based on financial and technical details including coverage and pricing.

Morocco has a population of more than 30 million people and a mobile penetration rate of about 72%, with about 21.5 million mobile users, according to data from the ANRT.Maroc Telecom is believed to have a market share of about 66% in the mobile sector, with Meditel commanding a share of 33%.